Porter, Cole. (1891–1964) [Kern, Jerome. (1885–1945)]
Autograph Letter regarding Jerome Kern
Original letter from Cole Porter, written beginning on the cover and continuing across seven pages of a Polish jazz program from 1937. Dated Sept. 7 and addressed "Dear Henry," the letter concerns Jerome Kern's music and is from the personal files of Kern, acquired by descent through his daughter's estate. While we are uncertain of the identity of the addressee "Henry," it is clear he was an intimate of Kern's to whom he passed this letter."Wrzesien Program Atrakcji. 1937. 'Casanova' Krakow, UL. Florianska L. 32. [with inset image on cover of trumpet virtuoso, Ady Rosner]." 12 pp. Oblong, 19.5 x 14.5 cm. Porter's letter, in full:
"Sept 8 - Dear Henry ----> Believe it or not, but this is the hottest swing band I've heard in Europe. And when they play Jerry Kern, they go sweet + clean and turn on their strings and it makes me very proud of Jerry. First read this [arrow pointing to an acrostic advertisement poem in Polish for the 'Casanova' club], then listen to the selections! 1). 'San Francisco.' 2). 'Swing, Swing, Everybody Swing.' 3). 'Sweet Sue.' 4). 'A Fine Romance' 5). 'It's a Sin to Tell a LIe.' 4). [sic] 'Tony's Wife." (Over) 5). 'She Shall Have Music.' 6). 'I'll Take the South.' 7.) The Caberet begins with Bianka Krolikowna (acrobatic dance) followed by (over) 8.) A Tango 9.) Bianca Krolikowna (waltz taps) 10). 'The Way you Look Tonight.' 11.) 'You.' 12). Bianka Krolikowna (polka) 13). 'Merry Widow Waltz.' 14). A Tango from White Horse Inn 15). Bianka Krolikowna (Oriental Dance) 16). 'Did I Remember?' 17). 'Let's Face the Music + Dance.' 18). Bianka Krolikowna (adagio dance) 19). 'I've got you Under My Skin." (over) 20). Bianka Krolikowna (Berceuse with Your old friend, Cole)"
Porter's letter is dated Sept 8, 1937, just six weeks before he was involved the horse riding accident which would crush his legs, leaving him mostly crippled and in constant pain for the rest of life. This enthusiastic and charming letter from Europe is apparently unrecorded and is certainly one of the most remarkable associations between these two giants of American popular music. (5332)
Manuscript Music Song